First responders unite to help Farmington EMT with cancer

Lt. Scott Norton, who volunteered as an emergency responder in Farmington and Middleton for more than 15 years, and his wife Cheryl look at a pin designed to offer support during an event in his honor at the Farmington fire station June 29. (JOHN QUINN PHOTO)

FARMINGTON — After answering the call to help others for the past two decades, a first responder from Middleton was touched to see so many people come to his aid recently.

While terminal lung cancer prevents Farmington Emergency Medical Services Lt. Scott Norton from responding to calls for help from residents, his long-standing, selfless dedication brought the community together.

More than 100 area residents, officials, Norton’s co-workers at GC-AAA Fence in Dover and first responders enjoyed pancakes, haircuts and hotdogs during a fundraiser that collected at least $2,000 for Norton.

“It’s overwhelming to see all these people come out for one man,” Norton said, adding he was so glad to be able to make it down to the station to see people he’s worked with for years.

Former Middleton Fire Chief John Nicastro, who now serves as a firefighter in Lyndeborough, said he drove across the state to support Norton.

“Scott’s been a brother of mine since he joined Middleton when I was chief — way, way, way back,” Nicastro said. He said he was glad to make the trip.

Norton’s wife, Cheryl, said the cancer was discovered last September while he was suffering from pneumonia. She said they were both amazed at the outpouring of support from area firefighters, police and emergency personnel.

“This is just so awesome,” Cheryl said, adding the camaraderie and community spirit mean so much to Scott, who has always tried to be there for others.

“He misses it (helping others) terrible,” Cheryl said. “There are times I have to shut the radio off because he wants to go.”

Cheryl recalled one instance where Scott began to stand up and leave as he monitored a call involving a child in distress. She had to prevent him from leaving the home.

As he requires a wheelchair — which was donated by Steve Dean — to get around, Norton admitted he can no longer even come down to the station as he gets so tired from standing up.

Cheryl said doctors estimate that Scott only has about six months left to live. As a result, she said he stopped going through treatments in order to make the most of his time.

They plan to enjoy the little things.

“He wants to go camping one more time,” Cheryl said.

To recognize Norton’s many years of service, Middleton Selectmen presented him with a check for $750 at the event Saturday.

“We can’t put a number on what you’ve done for the town of Middleton, or the town of Farmington,” said Middleton Selectman Chair Terry Laughy.

Last month, the Farmington Town Players raised $750 by performing “Love Letters” by A.R. Gurney as a benefit for Norton, according to Police Chief Kevin Willey.

Willey, who portrayed one of the two characters in the play, said he was honored to help Norton and was glad he was well enough to attend the June 7 performance.

“The fact he was there was a big thing,” Willey said.

Norton said he was so impressed by the performance that he recommends everyone seek out an opportunity to see the play, which tells the tale of two people through the letters they wrote to one another.

Donations can be made to the Scott Norton Fund at TD Bank, 4 Central St. in Farmington.